Willy Pogány Illustrated Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám 1950s Vintage Edition

Willy Pogány's Artistic Vision in the Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám Discover the extraordinary talent of Willy Pogány through this stunning 1950s edition of The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, translated by Edward FitzGerald and published by David McKay Company of New York. Pogány, a Hungarian-born master illustrator whose career spanned continents and mediums, brought his unparalleled skill to this timeless classic. His illustrations transform the poetic quatrains into visual poetry, capturing the essence of Persian mysticism, revelry, and philosophical reflection with intricate line work and dramatic composition. Born in Hungary, Pogány studied art in Budapest, Munich, and Paris before becoming an internationally renowned portrait painter, sculptor, etcher, lecturer, author, and illustrator of more than one hundred fifty books. He designed stage sets and costumes for the Metropolitan Opera House for five years, including the acclaimed production of Le Coq d'Or. His ballet designs graced works by Fokine and Adolph Bolm, and his Broadway contributions were equally celebrated. As art director for major studios including United Artists, Warner Brothers, Twentieth Century-Fox, Universal, and Charles Chaplin Studios, Pogány also created animated cartoons for Universal. His accolades include gold medals from Budapest, Leipzig, and the Panama Pacific International Exposition, plus the Medal of Honor from the New York Society of Architects. He was a member of the Architectural League of New York and a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, London. Signature Illustrations That Define This Edition Every page of this hardcover volume showcases Pogány's genius. Full-page black-and-white drawings include a powerful scene of a muscular figure bearing an enormous water jug beneath a crescent moon, symbolizing the weight of existence. Another captures three revelers in dynamic motion with a woman in flowing robes, evoking the tavern energy of Omar's verses. Ornate decorative endpapers feature elaborate vase-and-floral motifs in stark contrast, while delicate borders frame each quatrain with Persian-inspired elegance. The typography and layout reflect mid-century craftsmanship at its finest. The Charming 1960 Personal Inscription Adding profound sentimental value, the inside front cover bears a handwritten note dated October 27, 1960, from Jack to Ann. It playfully reimagines one of the Rubáiyát's themes: "As much as wine has played the infidels, And robbed me of my robe of honor — well, I wonder often what the vintners buy One half so precious as the stuff they sell." This personal touch connects the reader directly to the book's living history and the enduring appeal of Omar's wisdom about life's fleeting pleasures. Physical Specifications and Condition This edition measures approximately 9.5 inches tall by 6.5 inches wide by 0.8 inches thick. The gold-toned hardcover exhibits honest vintage character with small tears along the top and bottom edges, bumped corners, light scuffing, and minor staining on the boards, plus slight spine wear. These cosmetic imperfections do not affect structural integrity or readability. The interior remains in excellent condition: pages are clean, bright, and free of foxing or tears. All illustrations are sharp and complete. The only writing is the delightful 1960 inscription, making this a pristine reading and display copy. Owning this Willy Pogány-illustrated Rubáiyát means possessing a piece of art history crafted by one of the twentieth century's most versatile and honored illustrators. It stands as a testament to his ability to elevate literature through visual storytelling. Whether displayed on a bookshelf or enjoyed during quiet evenings, this volume delivers both literary depth and artistic beauty in equal measure. Its mid-century production quality and Pogány's distinctive style set it apart from later reprints, offering collectors and readers an authentic connection to a golden era of book illustration.

 _gsrx_vers_1736 (GS 9.9.5 (1736))

Item specifics

Used - Very good — Vintage hardcover with original cover showing edge wear, small tears, and corner bumps. Interior pages clean and intact with crisp illustrations and one personal 1960 inscription. No writing or damage inside beyond the note. — Defects: ['Small tears and wear along cover edges and corners', 'Light scuffing and staining on front and back cover', 'Bumped corners', 'Minor spine wear']

Offered by Gosla Antiques & Collectibles, purveyors of antiquities, curiosities and collectible wares. Dispatched from Pennsylvania, United States, with tracking.